Greek Ministry of Environment submits critical comments on Bulgaria’s Rozino Gold Mine EIA
The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy has formally submitted a set of detailed comments to its Bulgarian counterpart regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the planned gold mining project in Rozino, Bulgaria.
According to information released by the Inter-Regional Committee of Rhodope–Evros Against Gold Mining, the Greek side’s observations highlight significant environmental concerns and call for substantial revision, supplementation, and re-evaluation of the project’s assessment.
The Municipality of Ivaylovgrad has also reportedly rejected the investment proposal for the gold mine, pending guarantees from official state and scientific bodies regarding public safety.
Key Environmental Concerns Raised
The Greek ministry’s comments outline a series of serious environmental and cross-border risks associated with the project:
- Presence of highly toxic substances in water systems, including arsenic, mercury, chromium, and lead.
- Acid drainage risks from a 140-meter open-pit mine in a fractured geological zone.
- Cross-border water contamination risks affecting the Eastern Aegean basin.
- Potential pollution pathways from Rozino through Yuren Dere, Arpa Dere, Bayla Reka (Erithropotamos), and ultimately the Meriç River into the Aegean Sea.
- Weekly blasting operations over a seven-year period potentially causing underground leakage.
Risk of tailings dam failure. - Ecological impact on Natura 2000 protected areas in Greece.
- Insufficient environmental monitoring measures in the project plan.
- Potential spread of contaminated water during summer extraction operations.
- Lack of financial guarantees and liability insurance for mining waste management, as required under EU Directive 2006/21/EC.
- Authorities emphasize that such guarantees must cover both the operational phase and at least 30 years of post-closure environmental monitoring and remediation.
The Inter-Regional Committee welcomed the Greek ministry’s position, stating that coordinated cross-border opposition by Greece and Bulgaria demonstrates the strength of environmental solidarity in the region.
The committee also proposed that the issue be brought before the Regional Council of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace for an official resolution.
They concluded that “the joint struggle of Greeks and Bulgarians against gold mining shows the power of unity and solidarity in the Balkans,” expressing confidence that continued cooperation will lead to a positive outcome.
